Detention Of French Reporters By Indonesia Illegal, Says Journalists’ Alliance

Detention Of French Reporters By Indonesia Illegal, Says Journalists’ Alliance

By Amy McQuire

Pressure continues to mount on the Indonesian government over the detention of two French journalists in West Papua. Amy McQuire reports.

An alliance of South East Asian journalists have called on the Indonesian government to release two French journalists jailed in the province of Papua, claiming that their continued detention without charge is illegal.

Thomas Dandois and Valentine Bourrat were filming a documentary for the Franco-German TV channel Arte when they were arrested on August 6. They were employed by the Momento production company.

They were arrested in the town of Wamena and transported to the capital of Jayapura, where they are still detained. Indonesian police claimed they were caught filming in the company of armed separatists.

Both journalists were on tourist visas and were originally arrested on immigration charges, which would have led to deportation. There were concerns those charges would likely be upgraded to subversion or makar (crimes against the state).

New Matilda understands it is now likely they will be charged with espionage, although in Indonesia, charges are not formally laid until a trial commences.

West Papuan activists have been staging protests across the world pressuring the Indonesian government to release Dandois and Bourrat. Indonesia restricts foreign press access to the Papua region, which has in part lead to a worldwide silence on human rights violations and the crackdown on peaceful protests in the region.

Yesterday the Southeast Asian Press Alliance called on Indonesia to release the journalists, and said their continued detention without charge was illegal.

“We view both the detention of Dandois and Bourat and the ongoing ban on foreign journalists in Papua as blatant violations of Indonesia’s own Press Law,” SEAPA said in a statement.

“Indonesia’s authorities must make clear what charges the duo are facing and must also justify their continued detention.

“… It is important for the government of Indonesia to use the Press Law in handling the case, as it protects freedom of the press in the country, guarantees against censorship, prohibitions and restrictions of the media, and its right to access information.”

The Alliance of Independent Journalists have stressed to the Indonesian Press Council that the journalists were working for French media.

The detention of the French journalists comes in the midst of allegations of human rights violations by security forces in the province.

Last week, a West Papuan pro-independence activist was found in a sack floating in the sea near the city of Sorong on August 26. He had gone missing shortly after calling a press conference opposing the visit of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the town, and raising the issue of illegal logging.

There are also concerns about the safety of up to 50 West Papuan locals who may have had contact with the French journalists, according to media sources.

Amnesty International has also raised concerns over the detention of a West Papuan student who was allegedly beaten and tortured for painting pro-Independence graffiti.

West Papua has been under the control of Indonesia since the 1969 controversial “Act of Free Choice” following the departure of the Dutch in the 60s.

Indonesia’s President-elect Joko Widodo has promised to open up Papua to foreign journalists, claiming there is nothing to hide in the region.

Ardern to raise human rights issues with Indonesia's President March 19, 2018

He was met by a lone protester repeatedly yelling "Free West Papua". Later, in a short address before the official state lunch with Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Mr Widodo said he had been delighted to learn how much ...

Small West Papua protest during Jokowi visit to NZ parliament March 19, 2018

Indonesia's president was greeted by protestors calling for West Papuan independence when he arrived at New Zealand's parliament this afternoon. A sing-off on the steps of the New Zealand parliament between protestors and Indonesians during president Joko Widodo's visit to Wellington. 19 March ...

Small West Papua protest during Jokowi visit to NZ parliament March 19, 2018

Small West Papua protest during Jokowi visit to NZ parliament – Similar News. Small West Papua protest during Jokowi visit to NZ parliament. in 6 hours. Radio New Zealand · Ardern appearance surprises Greenpeace petitioners. in 3 hours. Newstalk ZB New Zealand Similar · Weekly Digest of Central ...

Small West Papua protest during Jokowi visit to NZ parliament March 19, 2018

Alongside them, outnumbered but not diminished, around twenty people calling for an end to human rights abuses in West Papua. Things became rowdy, but as the official Indonesian motorcade arrived, the protestors barely had time to make their point as Jokowi stepped out of his car and disappeared ...

A small group of protesters hold signs reading March 19, 2018

A small group of protesters hold signs reading 'Free West Papua' outside the parliament in Wellington as Indonesia's President Joko Widodo visits the city on March 19, 2018. Widodo is in New Zealand after attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Australia special summit in ...

Susi Pudjiastuti Expects West Papua To Export Fish March 19, 2018

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti expected West Papua to enter the international trade by exporting fish, especially which of catched by traditional fishermen. Susi said to had met PT Pelindo IV to discuss the matter. Susi stated the plan will be implemented ...

Pacific Catholic Bishops to meet next month in PNG March 19, 2018

A New Zealand bishop, Charles Drennan, said the conference is also very mindful of ongoing unrest and a questionable military presence in West Papua. He said there are also concerns at the growing influence of "unsavoury business and political interests buying influence in the Pacific". The Vatican's ...

Indonesia's Widodo visits Pukeahu war memorial March 19, 2018

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been urged to raise the issue of West Papua, which had been fighting for independence from Indonesia, in her meeting with Mr Widodo this afternoon. Mr Widodo and his wife Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo were greeted at Pukeahu by Defence Minister Ron Mark, former chief ...

Resettlement in PNG was never a viable option March 19, 2018

I told her of my experience with seven West Papuan asylum seekers in 2013 who had raised the Morning Star flag in West Papua with the support of Australia activists. Raising the Morning Star is a crime in Indonesia, and the seven young men (one was a child) were pursued by the Indonesian military ...

Indonesian President welcomed to NZ March 19, 2018

West Papua Action Auckland is calling for Ardern to raise human rights issues with Widodo over the Indonesian province that has been fighting for independence for decades. It is customary for visiting heads of state to hold a press conference after meeting with the Prime Minister, but it is understood ...

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits Pukeahu National War Memorial March 18, 2018

A lone protester was heard repeatedly yelling "Free West Papua". Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been urged to raise the issue of West Papua, which had been fighting for independence from Indonesia, in her meeting with Widodo this afternoon. Widodo and his wife, Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, were ...

Keep swimming March 18, 2018

Keep swimming Greenpeace activists from the Rainbow Warrior ship unfold a poster thats reads “Save Reef, More Fish” during a diving session at Raja Ampat, West Papua, on Sunday. Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior has been sailing Rama Ampat, considered one of the best diving spots in the world, ...

Indonesian president's visit marks 60 years of relations with NZ March 18, 2018

Paying his respects at the tomb of the unknown soldier on Monday, he was met by a lone protester repeatedly yelling "Free West Papua". ... Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had been urged to raise the issue of West Papua, which had been fighting for independence from Indonesia, in her meeting with ...

Most interesting photos from Fakfak, West Papua, Indonesia March 18, 2018

Flickriver - view images as a 'river of photos' and more...

Yali tribe Yali who live in the west papua Indonesia is a major tribal March 18, 2018

Derived . "Before They Pass Away," series of the world's remotest tribes, members of the ancient indigenous Huli Tribe of Ambua Falls of Papua New Guinea photographed Yali tribe: Yali who live in the west papua Indonesia, is a major tribal group living in a very isoleted and inaccessible area of ...

nuruai pani March 18, 2018

Another great song from the West Papua music legend Black Brothers. Lagu dari Papua - Indonesia. NABIRE AMPI GROUP BAND. BLACK BROTHERS. An awesome Vanessa Quai version of "Nuruaipani" a sentimental hyme song of West Papua - performed by Vanessa Quai. BAHASA TIMIKA(mimika).

Papua Books in PDF, ePub, Docs March 18, 2018

West Papua Indonesia Since Suharto PDF, ePub Books. Books papua full online in PDF, Kindle format, this History books, This book reviews the long guerilla struggle of the 'Organisasi Papua Merdeka' (OPM) for a Free Papua, and traces the rise of a non-violent independence movement alongside it, ...

Papua private guide March 18, 2018

Discover much more of Papua & west Papua province with your very own, personal, private guide! I am proud to be recommended as a private guide in Papua & west-Papua province in Lonely Planet Book as: Trek-Papua tours & Travel, Ltd since 2010 and in the new book of lonely planet book which ...

Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.